GOODISON witnessed the arrival of a new Fad last night. But unlike most, this one looks capable of staying around for some time.

GOODISON witnessed the arrival of a new Fad last night. But unlike most, this one looks capable of staying around for some time.

Duncan Ferguson and Nick Chadwick may have been the goalscorers, but it was James McFadden (left) who got the pulses racing on his home debut as the Blues cruised to a straightforward victory.

The Scot, nicknamed Faddy, wowed the crowd with his fancy footwork on the left flank and when he left the field at the end of the match he earned warm applause from every fan in the ground.

Those present who were also at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground this time last year could have been forgiven for feeling a sense of deja-vu.

It was at the same stage of this com-petition last season that Wayne Rooney confirmed his arrival as a first team regular with his first goal for the senior side.

To make direct comparisons between the ability of the two players would be to weigh down McFadden with an unfair burden.

But it is not unfair to suggest he could provide the kind of spark within the squad this term which Rooney illicited last season.

Indeed, so eager are the Everton fans for him to be a new hero that they were cheering even his simple passes early in the game.

The 20-year-old's toughest tests lie ahead. But if the moment of magic he conjured shortly before the hour mark is anything to go by, then David Moyes uncovered a gem when he paid Mother-well #1.25m for the player on transfer deadline day.

The winger received the ball on the halfway line and set off towards the County penalty area, utilising an eyecatching turn of pace to evade the double challenge of Robert Jones and John Hardiker.

The crowd rose to its feet in anticipation as he entered the penalty area with defenders hot on his heels.

He rode the challenge of Aaron Lescott on the byline and chipped the ball over the advancing keeper, teeing up Ferguson for the simplest of goals from close range to seal the result.

But the standing ovation which followed had nothing to do with the fact the strike booked Everton's place in the third round - it was for McFadden.

It was the kind of fine footwork and wizardry which the Blues have been in need of in midfield for some time.

He is not the finished article yet. Indeed, it remains to be seen how he will cope against defenders with far more to offer than the likes of Robert Clare or Hardiker.

But on this evidence there is justifiable cause to be excited about the youngster's future.

Ties like this have proved a banana skin for the Blues on way too many occasions in recent years.

Even the Moyes era has failed to eradicate such aberrations, as Shrewsbury Town proved earlier this year.

As a result of that FA Cup exit and a series of unlucky Worthington Cup draws last year, this match was Moyes' first cup tie at Goodison.

His side didn't let him down, despite a valiant attempt from County.

John Hollins, who was named care-taker at the second division outfit last Friday following Carlton Palmer's sacking, clearly likes the ball to be played on the deck.

His young side didn't let him down, refusing to revert to smash-and-grab tactics in their bid to make an impression.

Stockport, however, cannot boast a strong defence. And so it was only a matter of time before the Blues made headway.

They recovered from a sluggish start to take the lead via the penalty spot.

A neat through ball from Thomas Gravesen proved the catalyst for the opener. Tony Hibbert took possession a yard inside the County area as he dashed in-field from the right flank. He guided the ball beyond Robert Jones but was unable to follow because of the defender's clumsy challenge.

Referee Webster, who provided the kind of understated authority which is sadly now virtually extinct among top flight officials, calmly pointed to the spot.

Ferguson's powerful drive into the left corner of the net left Nick Colgan clawing at thin air.

The second came on the stroke of half-time. Chadwick, who had gone close on three previous occasions, finally got the reward for his ceaseless running.

Lee Carsley won possession, Gravesen turned provider with a sliderule pass and Chadwick slotted the ball under the advancing Colgan.

Having underlined his determination to do well in the competition by fielding a strong starting line-up, Moyes wasted no time resting legs with one eye on Sunday's clash with Leeds when it was clear the outcome was beyond doubt.